
Articles
Cybersecurity in Space and the Challenges of International Regulation
Sub Title : Cyber threat to satellites in space is for real and it is time to have laws to ensure that uninterrupted service goes on
Issues Details : Vol 18 Issue 4 Sep – Oct 2024
Author : Antara Jha
Page No. : 32
Category : Military Technology
: October 8, 2024

The “New Space” era has democratized space access with private companies and startups, but it has introduced challenges, particularly in cybersecurity and international regulation. Militarization of space, exemplified by anti-satellite tests and cyber-attacks on satellites, raises concerns about the need for new legal frameworks and clearer norms to prevent conflicts. Incidents like GPS spoofing and satellite hacking emphasize the vulnerabilities of space assets to cyber threats. Nations and private entities must prioritize cybersecurity, as outdated systems pose serious risks. The evolving space industry calls for international collaboration and adaptive legal measures to ensure security in space.
The rapid evolution of the space industry, often termed “New Space,” has ushered in an era where space is no longer the exclusive domain of government agencies. Private enterprises, startups, and even universities are now launching satellites and other space-based assets, leading to a democratization of space. However, this progress comes with significant challenges, particularly in cybersecurity and international regulation. The intersection of defence, security, international diplomacy, and geopolitics in this context is increasingly complex and requires a multifaceted approach to ensure that space remains a secure and cooperative domain.
Space Wars: The New Frontier of Conflict
The increasing militarisation of space raises significant concerns regarding the norms of responsible behaviour among nations. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 establishes foundational principles for the peaceful use of outer space. However, as space becomes a battleground for geopolitical competition, adherence to these norms is challenged.
Recent incidents, such as the 2021 Russian anti-satellite test, which created thousands of pieces of debris, highlight the urgent need for international consensus on responsible behaviour in space. The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) applies to space operations, but its interpretation in the context of cyber warfare remains ambiguous. Nations must navigate these complexities to avoid escalation and ensure the security of their space assets.
As space becomes more crowded, establishing norms of responsible behaviour is essential to prevent conflicts. The United Nations has been at the forefront of advocating for these norms, emphasizing the peaceful use of outer space. However, the dual-use nature of many space technologies—where civilian and military applications overlap—complicates the situation. The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) plays a crucial role in this context, providing a legal framework for the conduct of hostilities, even in outer space. However, the application of LOAC to space-based cyber operations is still a developing area, with significant ambiguities.
India’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test in 2019, part of its “Mission Shakti,” raised concerns about the militarisation of space. India of course maintained that the test was conducted to strengthen its defence capabilities and not to target any country. The test highlighted the need for clear norms and regulations governing the use of space-based assets and the importance of ensuring that any military activities in space adhere to LOAC principles.
The Tallinn Manual 2.0, while not legally binding, offers guidance on how international law applies to cyber operations. However, its application to space-based assets remains contentious.
In 2017, reports emerged of GPS spoofing in the Black Sea, allegedly conducted by Russia. This incident raised questions about the applicability of international law to non-kinetic attacks on space-based systems and the potential for escalation in conflicts.
Satellite Silencing: The New Frontier of Cyber Warfare
Cyber-attacks targeting satellites have evolved significantly, with adversaries employing increasingly sophisticated techniques. The 2020 cyber-attack on the Israeli satellite operator Spacecom, which disrupted communications, exemplifies the vulnerabilities inherent in satellite systems. This incident underscores the necessity for evolving treaty interpretations that encompass cybersecurity threats.
International treaties currently lack explicit provisions addressing cyber threats to space assets. As technology advances, there is a pressing need for legal frameworks that adapt to these changes, ensuring that states can respond effectively to cyber incidents in space.
The increasing reliance on satellites for communication, navigation, and military operations has made them attractive targets for cyber-attacks. These attacks can range from jamming signals to taking control of a satellite, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. The evolution of cyber threats against satellites has outpaced the development of international treaties governing space activities.
A notable case is the 2018 incident involving the hacking of a US weather satellite, where attackers managed to disrupt the satellite’s operations, leading to concerns about the vulnerability of critical space infrastructure. This incident underscored the need for a re-evaluation of existing treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty (OST) of 1967, which does not explicitly address cyber-attacks. The OST was created in an era when cyber warfare was not a consideration, and its interpretation must evolve to address the new realities of space security.
Chinese Satellite Hacking Allegations
In 2018, cybersecurity firm Symantec reported that a Chinese state-sponsored group had successfully infiltrated satellite operators, defence contractors, and telecommunications companies in the United States and Southeast Asia. This incident underscored the global nature of space-based cyber threats and the challenges in attribution and response.
Cybersecurity in Space: A Mission Critical Challenge
Protecting space-based assets from cyber threats is a multifaceted challenge. Countries like India, which has made significant strides in its space program, must prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard its satellites and ground stations. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has implemented measures to bolster cybersecurity, but the threat landscape continues to evolve.
The 2021 cyber-attack on the Indian Space Research Organisation’s ground stations serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by space-faring nations. Developing robust cybersecurity protocols and fostering collaboration among nations will be essential to mitigate these risks.
Protecting space-based assets from cyber threats is a daunting challenge. Unlike terrestrial assets, satellites are difficult to update or repair once they are in orbit. This makes them particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can exploit outdated software or unpatched vulnerabilities.
The challenge is exacerbated by the growing number of players in the space industry. Private companies, many of which are startups with limited resources, may not prioritize cybersecurity to the same extent as established government agencies. This creates a fragmented security landscape where the weakest link could jeopardize the entire space ecosystem.
A real-world example is the 2020 cyber-attack on a European Space Agency (ESA) satellite. The attackers exploited a vulnerability in the satellite’s ground control system, gaining unauthorized access and potentially compromising sensitive data. This incident highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures not just for the satellites themselves but also for the ground-based systems that control them
India’s space program, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has also faced challenges in protecting its assets. With ambitious plans to launch manned missions and interplanetary probes, ISRO must navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in a domain where threats are constantly evolving. The Indian government has taken steps to address these challenges, including the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Security Task Force for space missions, but much work remains to be done.
Japan’s Information Gathering Satellite (IGS) Program
Japan’s IGS program, crucial for monitoring North Korean missile activities, has faced increasing cybersecurity concerns. In response, the Japanese government has implemented stringent cybersecurity measures, including the establishment of a Space Domain Mission Unit within the Self-Defence Forces in 2020.
Data in the Dark: The Cybersecurity Gap in Space
The legal frameworks governing data storage on satellites and ground stations are often outdated and inadequate to address contemporary cybersecurity challenges. The increasing reliance on data for satellite operations necessitates a re-evaluation of existing laws to ensure they encompass cybersecurity measures.
For instance, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe has implications for data stored on satellites, but its applicability to space operations remains unclear. Countries must work towards harmonizing their cybersecurity laws to create a cohesive framework that addresses the unique challenges posed by space data storage.
Cybersecurity laws play a critical role in protecting the data stored on board satellites and on the ground. However, the applicability of these laws to space-based data storage is still a grey area. The lack of clear regulations creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals and hostile state actors.
One of the key challenges is the jurisdictional ambiguity that arises when data is stored in space. For instance, if a satellite operated by a private company based in one country is hacked while orbiting above another country, it is unclear which nation’s laws would apply. This ambiguity complicates the enforcement of cybersecurity laws and hinders international cooperation in responding to cyber threats.
In India, the Personal Data Protection Bill, which is still under consideration, aims to establish a comprehensive framework for data protection. However, its relevance to space-based data storage remains unclear. As India expands its space capabilities, there is an urgent need to address these legal ambiguities and ensure that cybersecurity laws are applicable to all forms of data storage, whether on Earth or in space.
European Union’s Copernicus Program
The EU’s Copernicus Earth observation program generates vast amounts of data, raising questions about data ownership, access, and protection. The EU has implemented strict data policies, including the Space Data for Security and Defence regulation, to address these concerns.
The Silent War Above: Cybersecurity in Space
International cooperation is vital in addressing cybersecurity threats to space missions. Collaborative efforts can enhance information sharing and develop a typology of countermeasures against cyber threats. The establishment of forums for dialogue among space-faring nations can facilitate the development of best practices and norms.
For example, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has initiated discussions on the need for international cooperation in space cybersecurity. Countries like India can play a pivotal role in these discussions, leveraging their expertise and experience to foster a collaborative approach to cybersecurity in space.
International cooperation is essential in responding to cybersecurity threats to space missions. No single country can effectively protect its space assets in isolation, given the global nature of space activities and the interconnectedness of space-based systems.
A successful example of international cooperation is the establishment of the Space Data Association (SDA), an international organization that promotes the sharing of data on space object movements to prevent collisions and mitigate risks. The SDA’s collaborative approach serves as a model for addressing cybersecurity threats, where sharing threat intelligence and best practices can enhance the collective security of space missions.
The European Union’s (EU) Space Strategy for Europe also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in space security. The strategy calls for the development of a common approach to cybersecurity in space, recognizing that the EU’s space assets are vulnerable to cyber-attacks that could have far-reaching consequences for global security.
India, as a key player in the global space community, has also recognized the importance of international cooperation. The Indian government has engaged in dialogues with other space-faring nations to enhance cybersecurity in space. For instance, the India-US Cybersecurity Dialogue includes discussions on securing space-based assets, reflecting the growing recognition of the need for a coordinated international response to cyber threats in space.
Towards a typology of countermeasures, it is essential to classify the responses to cyber threats into preventive, defensive, and responsive measures. Preventive measures include the development of international norms and treaties that address the unique challenges of cybersecurity in space. Defensive measures involve the implementation of robust cybersecurity practices by both governments and private sector entities. Responsive measures focus on international cooperation in incident response, where nations work together to mitigate the impact of a cyber-attack and prevent further escalation.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The rapid evolution of space technologies and cyber threats poses significant challenges for international regulation and cooperation. Several key issues remain unresolved:
- Attribution: Identifying the perpetrators of cyber-attacks on space assets with certainty remains difficult, complicating response efforts.
- Dual-use Technologies: Many space technologies have both civilian and military applications, blurring the lines between peaceful and potentially aggressive uses.
- Private Sector Involvement: The increasing role of private companies in space activities raises questions about their responsibilities and liabilities in cybersecurity.
- Jurisdictional Issues: The global nature of space activities and cyber threats creates complex jurisdictional challenges for law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
- Technological Disparity: The gap between space-faring nations and emerging players in terms of cybersecurity capabilities could lead to increased vulnerabilities and tensions.
Cosmic Conflict: The Final Frontier of Cyberwarfare
As the landscape of space activities continues to evolve, the intersection of cybersecurity and international regulation becomes increasingly critical. Nations must navigate the complexities of responsible behaviour in outer space, adapt legal frameworks to address cyber threats, and foster international cooperation to safeguard their space assets. The challenges are significant, but through collaboration and innovation, the global community can work towards a secure and sustainable future in space.
The intersection of cybersecurity and space presents a complex and evolving challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. As the space industry continues to grow, it is imperative to develop robust international regulations that address the unique challenges of cybersecurity in this domain. This includes updating existing treaties, establishing clear norms of responsible behaviour, and enhancing international cooperation.
